Dolphins, Lamar Miller have had 'no in-depth negotiations'

Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks a tackle by New York Jets corner back Dee Milliner (27) during the third quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 season is an important one for Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller. He's entering his fourth year in the league and the final year of his rookie contract, and is looking for a long-term deal following this season. According to reports, however, it doesn't sound like Miller and the Dolphins will come to an agreement before the season kicks off.

As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted, the two sides have had negotiations, but none that were "in-depth." This doesn't come as much of a surprise since there haven't been any reports of the two sides being close to an agreement. It's looking like Miller will play out this season and look for a big deal in free agency.

For Miller, an increased workload should help his case for signing a lucrative contract in the offseason. Philbin said earlier this week that Miller could see more carries this season, after failing to carry the ball more than 19 times in 2014.

"I would tell you I've never been in a meeting where I've said to [offensive coordinator] Bill [Lazor] or [running backs coach] Jeff Nixon or the offensive line coaches have said 'Lamar can't carry the ball 20 times a game, he can't do it,'" Philbin said. "I would tell you, if he's cranking and he got it 24 times a game and he's healthy and he's fast and he's explosive, it doesn't bother me one bit."